Helmet for attenuating impact event

ABSTRACT

A force attenuating helmet construction including a rigid layer generally conforming to the wearer&#39;s head. A plurality of force absorbing and reacting portions extend from locations of the rigid layer such that, in response to an impact event experienced by the helmet, the absorptive and reactive forces minimize impact forces transferred to the user&#39;s head and spine. The helmet can include inner and outer rigid layers, or shells, and which are spatially supported by a plurality of force attenuating components.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 14/575,170filed Dec. 18, 2014. The '170 application claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application 61/917,708 filed on Dec. 18, 2013, the contentsof which are incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a variety of helmet designsincorporating active force cushioning and redirection structure forabsorbing the effects of an impact event in a manner which minimizesdamage to the wearer's skull and upper cervical spinal vertebrae. Thehelmet incorporates inner and outer rigid layers or shells, betweenwhich are supported a variety of foam cushioning force absorption andredirectional components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is documented with numerous examples of impact absorbingand protecting helmet designs. The objective in each instance is toprovide a head and neck protection to the wearer.

A first example is the shock balance controller of Harris, U.S. Pat. No.7,603,725 and which teaches a support structure having a chamberincluding a port disposed in a side of the chamber the port providing anopening to a housing, and a bladder coupled to the housing, the bladderbeing filled with a first material configured to receive pressure from ashock, wherein the first material, when receiving the shock pushes afirst piston that compresses a spring disposed in the housing, thespring pushing a second piston that increases the pressure of a secondmaterial stored in the chamber. A shock balance controller may alsoinclude a structure configured to support the shock balance controller,the structure having a chamber, a port, and a housing assembly, and abladder coupled to the structure using the housing assembly, the bladderand housing assembly being configured to transfer energy between thebladder and the chamber.

Anderson, US 2013/0312161, teaches an impact energy attenuationmaterial, impact energy attenuation module employing the material and afit system for optimizing the performance thereof is provided.Non-linear energy attenuating material consisting of a plurality ofloose particles is employed for impact energy dissipation. The looseparticles are preferably spherical elastomeric balls. An impact energyattenuation module includes a container that holds the loose particles.The impact energy attenuation module can be provided in a wide range ofsizes and shapes and the loose particles can be provided in differentmaterials, sizes, density, compaction and hardness to suit with theapplication at hand. A matrix of impact energy attenuation module areprovided about the surface of a shell to provide the required impactenergy attenuation. The material, impact energy attenuation module andsystem of the present invention are well suited for protection of bodyparts and other cushioning and protection needs.

Abernathy, U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,317, teaches a liner adapted to beinterposed between the interior surface of a protective headgear and awearer's head and includes a plurality of networked fluid cells adaptedto distribute and dissipate an impact force to the liner, and/orheadgear with which the liner is used, across a larger area of thewearer's head as compared with the impact location, and also to dampenthe tendency of the wearer's head from rebounding back from the impactlocation by transferring fluid through the network from fluid cells atthe impact location those in an opposed region. Discrete fluid cellsinterspersed among the networked fluid cells maintain the liner and/orthe headgear in a predetermined orientation on the wearer's head. Fluidflow within the liner may be restricted or directed by configuring thefluid passageways. A liner may further include means for moving fluidinto or Out of the fluid cells.

Suddaby, US 2014/0173810, teaches a protective helmet having multiplezones of protection suitable for use in construction work, athleticendeavors, and similar activities. The helmet includes a hard outerprotective that is suspended over a hard anchor zone by elastic bladdersare positioned in the elastomeric zone and bulge through one or more ofa plurality of apertures located in the outer zone. In one embodiment,an additional crumple zone is present. The structure enables the helmetto divert linear and rotational forces away from the user's braincase.

Also referenced is the helmet structure of Brown, US 2014/0068841,without any hard outer shell and which has axially compressible cellunits contained in a hemispheric frame by a thin fabric coveringstretched over cup shaped cell retainers that have sidewalk ofcompressible foam. The frame is supported on the wearer's head onplastic foam posts that space the inner ends of compressible bladdersfrom the wearer's head, and ambient air in the bladders compresses atimpact, being vented then through openings for gradually absorbing suchimpact forces. Each bladder is vented into a space between the cup“bottom” and the outer end of a bladder. At least two cell sizes areprovided, and some of these are on depending lobes in the frame, forprotecting the wearer's ears and neck.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention teaches a force attenuating helmet constructionincluding a rigid layer generally conforming to the wearer's head. Aplurality of force absorbing and reacting portions extend from locationsof the rigid layer such that, in response to an impact event experiencedby the helmet, the absorptive and reactive forces minimize impact forcestransferred to the user's head and spine.

In one variant, an impact attenuation helmet construction has a rigidouter shell, a rigid inner shell adapted to being worn upon a wearer'shead and arranged a spatially separated distance from the outer shell.The plurality of force absorbing inserts, such including foamcomponents, are positioned between the inner and outer shells in a threedimensional array in order to spatially support the outer shell adistance from an outer surface of the inner shell, such that an impactupon the outer shell is absorbed by the inserts. The inserts furtherinclude varying profiles in order to vary a spacing between said shellsat different locations. A plurality of ventilation channels configuredwithin the inserts. Aligning ear holes are configured into each of thespaced apart shells.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read incombination with the following detailed description, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, andin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a helmet construction according to afirst embodiment and illustrating a ventilated outer shell incombination with a lower rim projecting and spring biased cushioningmember for attenuating the bending motions of the head relative to theneck and spine which are associated with an impact event;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 1 removed and whichillustrates a combination of additional and internal cushioningcomponents associated with the present design and including a top innerlocated compressible bladder in combination with an inner andintermediate extending cushioning ring, along with cheek (malar orzygmotic) bone located cushioning support members;

FIG. 3 is an underside rotated view of the helmet in FIG. 1 andillustrating the combination of inner cushioning components of FIG. 2 incombination with the outer lower rim cushioning member;

FIG. 4 is a spatially perspective arrayed illustration similar to FIG. 2with the wearer's head, neck and upper extremities removed and betterillustrating the support configuration collectively provided by thecollection of inner and outer supporting portions in combination withthe hard shell;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a selected cheek (zygmotic) bone locatedcushioning support member and better exhibiting the inner surfaceprojecting array of stem supported compressible portions which respondto compressive forces by bending and/or collapsing in combination withincreasing their collective diameter dimensions in a counter forceattenuating fashion;

FIG. 6 is a phantom perspective of an innermost portion associated withthe lower spring biased cushioning member and which exhibits interiorbaffles with control collapse venting, around which is configured a softfoam material;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective of the inner intermediate extendingcushioning ring and which likewise illustrates control collapse bafflingstructure for responding to compressive forces associated with an impactevent;

FIG. 8 is a side illustration showing the rigid helmet in partialphantom and illustrating the pseudo pancake configuration of the topinner located compressible bladder with upper and lower flattenedportions and intermediate bridging stem portion;

FIG. 9 is an environmental illustration of the helmet of FIG. 1responding to a side impact event and in which the lower rim extendingspring biasing members cushion in counterforce generating fashionagainst a shoulder of the wearer;

FIG. 10 is an environmental illustration of a front impact event and inwhich the rear spaced rim extending spring biased member cushions incounterforce generating fashion against the upper back and based of thecervical portion of the spinal column;

FIG. 11 is a further environmental illustration of a rear impact eventin which forward terminating ends of a pair of outermost spaced and rimextending cushioning members bias in counterforce generating fashionagainst locations of the wearer's collar bone;

FIG. 12 is an environmental front view of a dual layer helmetconstruction according to a second embodiment and illustrating aplurality of flexible and elastic support tendons extending between thespaced apart inner and outer rigid helmet layers;

FIG. 13 is a side line art view of the dual layer helmet of FIG. 12 andillustrating an arrangement of the inner bridging support tendonsbetween the inner and outer rigid layers;

FIG. 14 is a side cutaway of the helmet of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a succeeding view to FIG. 14 and illustrating the dynamicdeflecting characteristics of the elastic tendon supported outer helmetin response to a forward impact event;

FIG. 16 is an alternate view to FIG. 15 illustrating the dynamicdeflecting characteristics of the elastic tendon supported outer helmetin response to a rear impact event;

FIG. 17 is an alternate view to FIGS. 15 and 16 and illustrating a sideimpact event;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a dual layer helmet construction accordingto a third embodiment and illustrating a foam insert positioned betweenthe inner and outer rigid layers alternative to the support tendonsshown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a cutaway view of the helmet shown in FIG. 18 and betterillustrating the inner and outer rigid helmet layers, intermediate foamsupport with interior air circulation and venting characteristics, andthe inner cushioning pad support configured between the inner rigidhelmet layer and the surface of the wearers head;

FIG. 20 is a succeeding illustration to FIG. 19 and illustrating thedynamic characteristics of the helmet in response to a side-impactevent;

FIG. 21 illustrates a further partial illustration of a dual layerhelmet according to a yet further variant and further showing an energyabsorbing column support extending between the layers and, upon theouter helmet experiencing an impact event, providing formulti-directional energy absorbing properties;

FIG. 22 is a further rotated partial perspective in cutaway of thehelmet of FIG. 21 and illustrating a dual compression spring arrangementassociated with a given face mask mounting location with the outerhelmet, such providing for bi-directional force absorbing displacement;

FIG. 23 is a front view of a related helmet construction to thatdepicted in FIG. 21 and illustrating a modified construction of a forceabsorbing component arranged in combination with the energy absorbingcolumn support for supporting the inner and outer helmet layers inspatial fashion, the additional component exhibiting an outer disk forproviding optimal force deflection/absorption of impact forces exertedagainst the outer helmet;

FIG. 24 is partial frontal side illustration of a modification of theforce absorbing component in the form of an outer disk in combinationwith an inner integrally configured cross configuration for providingoptimal force deflection/absorption of impact forces exerted against theouter helmet;

FIG. 25 is a similar view to FIG. 24 and depicting a selected forceabsorbing component in the configuration of an internally hollow sphere;and

FIG. 26 presents a yet further variant of force absorbing component inthe form of first and second disks arranged in rotatably offset andoverlapping/intersecting fashion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As previously described, the present invention is directed to a varietyof helmet designs incorporating active force cushioning and redirectionstructure which is constructed in order to both absorb and activelyredirect the effects of an impact event in a manner which minimizesdamage to the wearer's skull and upper cervical spinal vertebrae. Thehelmet designs, described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1-26,are further constructed to provide enhanced force absorption associatedwith an impact event, combined with dynamic counter force generating, orreactive, properties (such as which are facilitated by springs or otherinternal structure) to further ameliorate the effects of the resultantforces resulting from the impact event.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, generally at 10, of a helmet constructionaccording to a first embodiment which is worn upon the head of anindividual 2. As also illustrated in FIG. 3, the helmet includes a rigidouter shell 12 and which is appropriately configured so as to be placedover the head of the wearer and illustrating appropriate ventilatedlocations, see inner rim defined apertures 14, 16, 18 et seq., formed inan upper or crown portion of the rigid shell. Additional apertures inthe rigid shell are provided, such as ear hole locations at 19. Withoutlimitation, the shell 12 can be constructed of any type rigid and impactresistant plastic, carbon fiber or composite thereof.

As best shown by the underside rotated perspective of FIG. 3, a lowerrim projecting cushioning member is provided and includes one or more(three shown) rim extending portions 20, 22 and 24 which are secured tolower rim extending locations of the rigid shell 12 via individual setsof support springs, these shown in FIG. 1 by springs 26 and 28 forsupporting cushioning portion 20, springs 30, 32 and 34 (FIG. 4) forsupporting cushioning portion 22, and finally springs 36 and 38 forcushioning portion 24. The springs are supported upon inner contouredsurfaces of each cushioning member 20, 22 and 24 in spaced apart fashion(as again best shown in FIG. 4) and so that the spring biased cushioningmembers collectively project from the lower rim of the rigid wearableshell 12 in a manner which facilitates attenuating the bending motionsof the head relative to the neck and spine which are associated with animpact event, and as will be further described.

Without limitation, the cushioning portions 20, 22 and 24 can beconstructed of any semi-soft or other suitable material, such as whichcan include an inner support portion, around which can be formed anouter cushioning portion. As further best shown in FIG. 4, thecushioning portions 20, 22 and 24 each exhibit an arcuate elongatedconfiguration with a substantially “U” shape in cross section. As shown,the intermediate/middle cushioning portion 22 exhibits an open channelalong its entire arcuate lengths, the with outer portions 20 and 24having closed front ends, see at 21 and 25, respectively, and whichoverlay the bottom rim of the rigid shell 12 at the front sidelocations.

As further shown, the springs 26-38 anchor to exterior lower rimproximate locations of the rigid shell 12 and extend outwardly (and asfurther shown in FIG. 4 in a slightly upwardly angled fashion) to innerside locations of each “U” shape configuration in order to support thecushioning portions 20, 22 and 24. This can further include theoutwardly projecting ends of the springs being anchored to the innersupport portion of each cushioning member and, in this manner, thecushioning portions are adequately structurally supported to thehelmet's rigid shell in a force absorbing and counter force generatingfashion. Alternative to the springs shown, it is also envisioned thatany other cushioning member supporting and counterforce generatingcomponents can be utilized, these not limited to any other type ofspring, air pressure generating/cushioning device or the like.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 with the rigid shell 12removed and which illustrates a combination internal cushioningcomponents associated with the present design. These include such as atop inner located compressible bladder, generally at 40 (also termed apancake bladder as will be further described), in combination with aninner and intermediate extending cushioning ring 42 about an upperperimeter/periphery of the skull, and along with cheek (zygomotic) bonelocated cushioning support members (pair at 44). Additional internalcushioning components include a lower and rear perimeter extending ring46 supported upon the inside of the rigid shell 12 for supporting therear base of the skull and the upper connecting location of the spinalcolumn.

As shown in each of FIGS. 2-4 and, as best shown in the phantom sideillustration of FIG. 8, the bladder 40 exhibits a pseudo pancakeconfiguration with upper 48 and lower 50 flattened portions which areinterconnected by an intermediate bridging stem portion 52. The topinner pancake style bladder is intended to provide cushioning for thetop of the wearer's head and, as described above, can incorporate anystyle of inner cylinder or air intake/outflow bladder as well as anyother style of controlled collapse and reformable valving structure suchthat the body with hollow interior can deform in a force attenuatingfashion, following which it self-refills and resets with a ballastingair volume. Although not shown, the pancake bladder can include anyother configuration of bi-directional valving for communicating theexterior of the bladder to its hollow interior and in order to providecontrolled collapsing discharge in response to a top head impact event,in combination with subsequent self-refilling and re-expansion of thebladder.

The material construction of the top pancake bladder 40 is further suchthat it can be formed of any soft plastic (can also include but is notlimited to a thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate) orcan include other suitable material including any type of solid(including a foam) or other suitable material. Other features associatedwith the pancake style bladder include the ability to substitute the airvent and valve structure with any other fluid medium. This can furtherinclude utilizing a liquid coolant as a force attenuating medium for anyor all of the inner helmet cushioning portions and which can provide thedual function of assisting in cooling the head of the wearer.Alternately, and in very cold weather (environment) sport or non-sportapplications, the liquid held within the bladder or other cushioningmember can provide for warming/heating of the wearer's head.

The inner and intermediate extending cushioning ring 42 is best shown inFIG. 7 and which likewise illustrates control collapse bafflingstructure for responding to compressive forces associated with an impactevent. A plurality of individual collapsible portions, at 54, 56, 58 etseq., are provided in a circular ring array. Each of the collapsibleportions exhibits a soft plastic or like material and which includes abaffled or controlled collapsing structure as depicted by valves orvents 60, 62 and 64, respectively, these further being shown inalternating top and bottom depiction associated with selected individualportions 54, 56, 58, et seq.

The cross sectional profile of the intermediate cushioning ring array isbest depicted in FIG. 7 in line art depiction, with the understandingthat this can also depict an inner circular support structure providedby spaced apart and circular extending wires or tensioning cables 64 and66, between which are configured crosswise extending and spaced apart(interconnecting) wires or cables 68, 70, 72 et seq. As shown, theconfiguration of a suitable support structure is such that it providesadditional connecting and reinforcing support to the skull encirclingcushion ring 42, the perimeter surrounding cable configurationcorresponding to the profile of the individual collapsible portions 54,56, 58 et seq., such that the structure can provide an additional degreeof structural support to the assembly. Without limitation, the cableextending support structure shown can alternately include the use ofplastic tensioning elements which can be in-molded with the intermediatecushioning ring array 42 in order to provide structural integrity to thearray.

As with the top pseudo pancake style bladder 40, the intermediatecushioning ring can incorporate controlled collapse and refill/reformproperties utilizing any type of fluid medium (air, liquid etc.) andwhich establishes a desired degree of force attenuation/counter forcegenerating functionality. The intermediate/cushioning ring array 42 canalso be constructed of any type of compressible gel or foam. Thecushioning ring 42 (also termed an impact pad) can also be producedindividually or in combination with either or both of the face pads 44or the lower inner rim extending cushioning ring 46.

As best shown in FIG. 6, a phantom perspective of an innermost portionassociated with the lower spring biased cushioning member 46 is shownand includes an outer foam or like body 74 which encapsulates aplurality of interconnected interior baffles, these illustrated inphantom and being formed in a generally arcuate extending array 76. Aswith the intermediate band, control collapse of the baffle structuralarray 76 is provided by a series of vents or valve locations 78, 80, 82et, seq. formed in the manner shown and which respond to compressionresulting from the impact event by discharging air or like fluid in acontrolled collapsible and force attenuating fashion (following whichthe baffle or bladder structure 76 can refill/reform to its originalconfiguration in a manner consistent with the valving structure depictedin combination with the other cushioning/force absorbing components).

Similar to the intermediate circular cushioning ring 42, the crosssectional profile of the lower and inner rim extending cushioning member46 is depicted in line art in FIG. 6 (see irregular lines 84 and 86depicting the inner and outer undulating walls of the baffleconstruction with additional outer 88 and inner lines 90 representingthe foam edges). The lower extending cushioning member 46 can alsoinclude, without limitation, any type of structural support (such asincluding an inner wire, tensioning element or spine) to assist inproviding structural integrity and so that, in combination, the lowerrear head supporting member 46 cushions the back of the head and theupper end of the spinal column through the provision of a sandwichconstruction of elements which can include a mixture of air and foam orother soft material.

As further best shown in FIG. 5, an enlarged view is depicted of aselected one of the pair of cheek (zygomotic) bone located cushioningsupport members, again shown at 44 and which better exhibits an innersurface projecting array of stem supported compressible portions, seestems 92, 94, 96, et seq., and upon which are mounted upper extendingend and increased diameter annular portions 98, 100, 102, et seq. (ininformal terms these each illustrating an overall configuration notdissimilar to a bishop associated with a chess set). The construction ofthe stem supported and compressible portions is such that, in responseto compressive forces exerted by the wearers cheek bones to the padshaped cushioning members 44, the end-mounted annular portions 98, 100,102, et seq. (these including semi-spherical shaped ends 104, 106, 108,et seq.) deform in a collective combined bending andcompressing/widening fashion such that the force of the check/zygomaticbone causes the stem supported portions to increase (widen) theircollective diameter dimensions in a counter force attenuating fashion.

As a result, the compressed and flattened portions (see again stems 92,94, 96, et seq.) progressively exert counter actuating forces againstthe wearer's face during their collapse with the additional featurebeing the flattening of the enlarged ends 104, 106, 108, et seq. in amanner which creates a maximum collapse/compression distance which is adimension above the inner support surface of the member 44. Withoutlimitation, the cheek located support members 44 can be substituted oraugmented by additional members located at any other interior supportedlocation of the rigid shell of the helmet.

As previously described, FIG. 3 is an underside rotated view of thehelmet in FIG. 1 and illustrates the combination of inner cushioningcomponents of FIG. 2 in combination with the outer lower rim cushioningmember, with FIG. 4 further providing a spatially perspective arrayedillustration similar to FIG. 2 with the wearer's head, neck and upperextremities removed and better illustrating the support configurationcollectively provided by the collection of inner and outer supportingportions in combination with the hard shell.

Proceeding to the environmental view of FIG. 9, an environmentalillustration is shown of the helmet of FIG. 1 responding to a sideimpact event (see directional arrow 110) and in which a selected one ofthe lower rim extending spring biasing cushions (shown at 20) is exertedin a counterforce generating fashion against a shoulder 4 of the wearer,again by virtue of the absorbing and reasserting forces exerted bysprings 26 and 28. FIG. 10 is an environmental illustration of a frontimpact event, see directional arrow 112, and in which a rearmostselected 22 of the rim extending spring biased member cushions withassociated springs 30 and 32 contact the wearers back 6 in proximity tothe cervical portion of the spinal column. Finally, FIG. 11 is a anillustration of a rear located impact (see arrow 114) in which forwardends 116 and 118 outer rim located cushioning members 20 and 24 contactcollarbone locations 8 and 9 of the wearer in a flexible and forceattenuating fashion.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an environmental front view is generally shownat 120 of a dual layer helmet construction according to a secondembodiment of the present inventions. The helmet includes an inner rigidlayer or shell 122 configured to closely conform to the user's skull,with an outer spaced rigid layer or shell 124 which is resilientlysecured to the inner rigid layer 122 via a plurality of flexible andelastic support tendons or spatially defining columns (see pair at 126and 128) extending between the spaced apart inner 122 and outer 124rigid helmet layers.

Either or both the rigid inner and outer layers can be constructed ofany type of plastic, carbon fiber or other composite material. Thelayers can further include any complementing forward viewing contours,see at 130 for outer layer 124 and at 132 for inner layer 122 so as toprovide an adequate field of vision for the wearer. A faceguard ofnon-limiting design is depicted by width extending portions 134 and 136and crosswise extending reinforcing portions 138 and 140. Support pads140 and 142 are also shown located between the wearer's head and innermounting surfaces of the inner rigid helmet layer 122 (these beingrepresentative of any arrangement of interior supporting pads orcushions for supporting the inner helmet or shell upon the wearer'shead).

The construction of the dual layer helmet is further such that headsetcomponents including a receiver and/or microphone can be mounted withinthe space between the inner and outer rigid layers, this being adesirous feature in sporting events such as football or auto racing. Thesupport tendons 126 and 128 (also again termed as support columns asalso depicted in related FIGS. 21 and 23) are constructed of anyresilient and deformable material, typically a plastic composite,exhibiting the necessary properties of stretch-ability and which enablethe outer rigid layer or shell 124 to stretch in energy absorptivefashion relative to the inner layer by virtue of the plurality ofperimeter located tendons.

As further shown, the tendons 126 and 128 are each constructed of asemi-rigid deformable and resilient material, such as including but notlimited to any type of plastic selected from a polypropylene materialwith fiber or other reinforcement, as well as potentially including anyof a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) orother construction which provides a desirable degree of flex and/or bendin response to impact events to the outer helmet 124 and to minimizetransference to the inner helmet 122 and the wearer's skull and spine.Each of the tendons/columns 126 and 128 further includes a generallypolygonal cross sectional, shown as a modified tubular or cylindricalshaped intermediate stem, and which terminates in flattened engagingportions which can be mechanically or chemically secured to opposingsurface locations of the outer and inner rigid layers (see inner surfacelocations of outer rigid layer 124 with inner spaced and outer facinglocations of inner layer 122). Without limitation, the elastic tendonscan exhibit any other shape or profile which facilitates the resilientand spatially arrayed mounting structure between the inner and outerhelmet layers.

FIG. 13 is a side line art view of the dual layer helmet of FIG. 12 andillustrating an arrangement of the inner bridging support tendons, seeat 144, 146, 148 and 150, arranged between the inner 122 and outer 124rigid layers. An additional side located support tendon 152 is shown,with an opposite side located tendon being hidden from view, with theunderstanding that any number of tendons can be arranged in threedimensional spaced fashion across the separation zone between the innerand outer rigid helmets according to the dynamic environment in whichthe helmet is utilized. As further defined herein, the term “column” or“support tendon” is intended to include (but not be limited to) anylinking component or structure which serves to spatially support theouter helmet or shell 124 around the inner helmet or shell 122, but todo so in such a manner that the tends/columns provide multi-dimensionalflex, bend or deformation in response to externally applied impactforces, preventing these impact forces from being directly transferredto the inner helmet 122 and, by extension, the wearers skull, neck andcervical spinal connections, and further doing so in a fashion whichprovides snap-back or return to the original configuration (i.e.resiliency) upon the force being dissipated or absorbed by the tendonstructure.

Also depicted are impact support portions, at 154, 156, 158 and 160,incorporated into the inner rigid layer 122 (i.e. supporting theexterior locations of the wearers head and skull), these being locatedproximate the mounting locations of the indicated flexible tendons 144,146, 148 and 150 upon the exterior locations of the inner helmet orshell 122. The impact support portions 154-160 can be constructed of anycomposite or other force absorbing material, such also potentiallyincluding a control collapsible structural foam.

FIG. 14 is a side cutaway of the helmet of FIG. 12 in a pre-impactcondition and which again illustrates the engagement structure of theelastic tendons (see in particular the flattened mounting profiles 162and 164 of selected tendon 144. Also depicted at 166 is a minimalseparation distance established between the lower rear edge of the outershell 124 and the back 6 (see also FIG. 10) of the wearer, for which thehelmet construction provides support in response to a rear rotating ofthe helmet towards an impact condition with the back).

FIG. 15 is a succeeding view to FIG. 14 and illustrating the dynamicdeflecting characteristics of the elastic tendon supported outer helmetin response to a forward impact event, see arrow 168. In this depiction,the forward most located support tendon 150 compresses in a fashionwhich permits the outer rigid helmet layer 124 to collapse in a forceabsorptive and attenuating fashion in a direction towards the innerhelmet layer 122. The rearward spaced tendons 148, 146 and 144 arefurther shown stretching to varying degrees with the lower/rearward mosttendon 144 stretching a maximum distance in which the cross sectionaldimensions of the tendon are reduced. The elastic nature of the tendonsis further such that the deflection forces exerted upon the outer shell124 are countered by opposite and attenuating tension forces exerted bythe tendons.

FIG. 16 is an alternate view to FIG. 15 illustrating the dynamicdeflecting characteristics of the elastic tendon supported outer helmetin response to a rear impact event, see arrow 170. In this illustration,the elastic tendons/columns 144, 146, 148 and 150 displace in anopposite (forward) direction, with the forward most tendon 150stretching forwardly and downwardly in the manner shown. As with theforward impact event of FIG. 15, the rear impact generated event of FIG.16 is countered by reverse forces exerted by the elastic tendons (e.g.the resilient properties of the tendons absorbing and countering theinitial force in a dampening fashion to protect the wearer).

FIG. 17 is an alternate view to FIGS. 15 and 16 and illustrating a sideimpact event (see arrow 172) in which the outer shell 124 is depicted ina (side) lateral displacing and force attenuating condition. The abilityto absorb a lateral directed force in the manner shown in FIG. 17 (seecompressed side tendon 126 and elongated opposite side tendon 128)enables the wearer's head to avoid absorbing a significant degree of theforces associated with the impact, and such as which can otherwise betransferred to the wearer's neck and spinal column.

Proceeding to FIG. 18, an illustration is shown at of a dual layerhelmet construction according to a third embodiment and illustrating afoam insert 176 positioned between the inner 122 and outer 124 rigidlayers, similar to as previously described however alternative to thesupport tendons shown in FIG. 12. The foam insert 176 provides impactprotection between the inner and outer rigid helmet layers and, withoutlimitation, can include any type of soft, rigid orstructural/collapsible composition. The construction of the inner 122and outer 124 helmet layers can also include any of those previouslydescribed (e.g. including an impact resistant plastic such as a heavyduty polypropylene or like material which can include a talc or fibercombination to enhance strength) and can further include any other shapeor size.

FIG. 19 is a cutaway view of the helmet shown in FIG. 18 and betterillustrating the inner 122 and outer 124 rigid helmet layers andintermediate foam support with interior air circulation and ventingcharacteristics, and the inner cushioning pad support 176, this furtherbeing configured between the inner rigid helmet layer and the surface ofthe wearers head so as to include an air circulation network (seeselected perimeter extending main channel 178 in two dimensional cutawaywith outer 180 and inner 182 spaced cross channels for providingventilation to the user's head). Also again shown are inner structuralpads associated with the inner helmet layer 122 and such as shown at 158which are arranged in such a way that they do not impede the ventilationaspects of the helmet assembly. Also depicted at 177 and 179 areearholes defined by inner perimeter surfaces configured within the foaminsert or pad support 176, and which communicate with one or more of themain ventilation channels 178 as well as aligning side holes 181 and 183in the outer helmet which communicate through additional aligning holes(see inner perimeter walls 181′ and 183′) in the inner helmet.

FIG. 20 is a succeeding illustration to FIG. 19 and illustrating thedynamic characteristics of the helmet in response to a side-impact event(see directional arrow 184), in which the outer rigid layer 124 isshifted laterally in the direction shown and so that the foamconstruction 176 absorbs the impact forces in an attenuating and counterexerting fashion (see compression of foam on left side of helmt) toprevent unnecessary forces being exerted against the user's head andneck (see contact location 185 between the helmet side edge and shoulderwhich minimizes the degree of bending motion absorbed by the user'shead). Also again depicted are ear hole locations again established byinner perimeter walls in the foam 186 and 188.

Proceeding now to FIG. 21, an illustration 190 is generally referencedof a partial illustration of a dual layer helmet (including outer helmet192 and inner helmet 194) according to a yet further variant and furthershowing an energy absorbing column support (tendon) 196 of similarconstruction to that previously described and extending between thelayers or shells 192/194 such that, and upon the outer helmetexperiencing an impact event, the assembly provides formulti-directional energy absorbing properties. As previously described,the tendons or supports can exhibit any desired force dampening orattenuation structure which facilitates multi-dimensional displacementof the outer helmet 192, in response to an impact event, whileminimizing the force transferred to the inner helmet (layer or shell)194 and the wearer's head via the inner supporting cushioning locations,see further at 195.

FIG. 22 is a further rotated partial perspective in cutaway of thehelmet of FIG. 21 and illustrating a dual compression (coil) springarrangement, see springs 198 and 200 associated with a given face maskmounting location with the outer helmet, such providing forbi-directional force absorbing displacement. A selected face maskportion, depicted by extending curved member 202 includes, at selectedcutaway end mounting location, an annular protuberance 204 whichseparates the springs 198 and 200.

As further shown, a seating profile is defined in the outer shell 192within which the end portion of the mask member 202 is displaceablysupported. The three dimensional profile exhibits annular ends orabutment ledges, at 202 and 204, which (upon seating the end mountingportion of the mask member 202) compress opposite ends of the springs198 and 200, depending upon the direction of displacement of the mask(see bidirectional arrow 206 representing either of a pushing or pullingforce exerted upon the mask member 202). Without limitation, a similararrangement is configured at the opposite mounting end of mask member202, as well as first and second corresponding mounting ends of a lowerextending mask member 208.

Proceeding to FIG. 23, a front view is shown of a related helmetconstruction, generally at 210, which is similar to that depicted inFIG. 21 (as well as the related variant of FIGS. 12-20). FIG. 23illustrates a modified construction of a force absorbing componentarranged in combination with the energy absorbing column support ortendon previously identified at 196 for supporting inner 214 and outer212 helmet layers in spatial fashion. An additional component 216 isillustrated on an opposite side of the helmet construction and exhibitsan outer or circular shaped disk with first/outer 218 and second/inner220 flattened mounting locations securing to the opposing locations ofthe helmets/shells 212 and 214, again for providing optimal forcedeflection/absorption of impact forces exerted against the outer helmet212.

FIG. 24 is partial frontal side illustration of a modification of theforce absorbing component in the form of an outer or circular diskportion 222 in combination with an inner integrally configured crossconfiguration 224 for providing optimal force deflection/absorption ofimpact forces exerted against the outer helmet, again at 212, relativeto the spatially and inner supported helmet 214. FIG. 25 is a similarview to FIG. 24 and depicting a selected force absorbing component inthe configuration of an internally hollow sphere 226. FIG. 26 presents ayet further variant of force absorbing component in the form of first228 and second 230 disks arranged in rotatably offset andoverlapping/intersecting fashion.

The examples of FIGS. 24-26 are intended to be representative ofalternative constructions to that depicted in FIG. 23, with particularreference to the ring or disk shaped deflecting or force absorbingelements. As with the tendon/column 196, the other shapes also include aresilient plasticized construction and can be configured to provide anydesired force absorbing properties consistent with that described above.

Having described my invention, other and additional preferredembodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which itpertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. An impact attenuation helmet construction, comprising: arigid outer shell; a rigid inner shell adapted to being worn upon awearer's head and arranged a spatially separated distance from saidouter shell; and a plurality of force absorbing inserts positionedbetween said inner and outer shells in a three dimensional array inorder to spatially support said outer shell a distance from an outersurface of said inner shell, an impact upon said outer shell beingabsorbed by said inserts.
 2. The helmet of claim 1, said inserts furthercomprising varying profiles in order to vary a spacing between saidshells at different locations.
 3. The helmet of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of ventilation channels configured within saidfoam inserts.
 4. The helmet of claim 1, further comprising aligning earholes configured into each of said spaced apart shells.
 5. The helmet ofclaim 1, said compressible inserts further comprising a foam material.6. The helmet of claim 1, said compressible inserts further comprisingany type of soft, rigid or structural/collapsible composition.
 7. Thehelmet of claim 1, further comprising at least one cushioning supportapplied to an inner surface of said inner shell and adapted to supportthe wearers head.